Walking words....

                                                                                                                                **photo from here.

I can just see some people scratching their heads at the name of this post. Walking words? I have collected quotes and sayings since I was a teenager. I love finding quotes that are inspirational. I will explain 'walking words' in just a bit.

I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes about 18 months ago and have been slowly coming to grips with what this actually means for me. I am fortunate enough at this stage to not be on any medication but my doctor made it clear to me that if I want to avoid medication and eventually insulin injections I need to make some pretty big changes to my diet, and exercise more. So I have begun making changes to my diet (never easy) and have begun taking a short walk every day.(I just started this week) Let me say right here and now I HATE exercise! Especially exercise that I 'have' to do. So this is a big thing for me to realise I MUST make these changes if I want to keep my diabetes under control and avoid the awful consequences of not doing so. I am terribly overweight and terribly unfit so it's going to be a long haul just to get me to a normal weight and relatively fit.

I think I should print copies of this photo and use it for motivation! Photo from here.

For anyone who may be interested in checking my progress, offering encouragement and support I have begun a blog to keep notes about how I am feeling, coping and managing along the way. (or not as the case may be). You can take a peep here.
Also if anyone can direct me to blogs of a similar nature (diabetes/diet/exercise) I would love to find some for extra motivation. (and maybe I can offer encouragement to someone else)

Now back to 'walking words'. I was browsing The Quote Garden this morning and found some wonderful quotes about walking. I am hoping they might inspire me!
"If you are seeking creative ideas, go out walking.
Angels whisper to a man when he goes for a walk."
Raymond Inman
I don't know who Raymond Inman was but what a lovely idea that angels might whisper in your ears as you walk!

"Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into 
you as sunshine flows into the trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into
you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves."
John Muir
What beautiful feelings this quote evokes. I know I do find being with nature peaceful. I really like this one.

"Make your feet your friend."
J.M.Barrie
Hmmmm life would be more enjoyable perhaps?

"Walking gets the feet moving, the blood moving, the mind moving. 
And movement is life."
Carrie Latet
Now that one is a profound thought!
Hope you enjoyed these 'walking words' as much as I have.

wishing you sunshine in your shadows (even on cloudy wintery days)
Helen

A busy week...

I just realised I haven't blogged for almost a week! Mostly because I haven't had anything terribly interesting to write about and I have never had the discipline to write every day no matter what. It's been a bit of a messy and busy week here this week.

My daughter kate suffers a debilitating anxiety disorder which results in her being unable to sit in a mainstream classroom. She studies at home via distance education. I have lost track of if it's her third or fourth year studying at home. It has not been an easy road, Kate really needs the discipline of being in a proper classroom and we have not been able to successfully recreate that at home. Technically I am her supervisor but now that she is 18 I think it's a bit of a moot point. Anyway we filled in her enrolment form this week and made sure the required documents were attached. Studying at home requires special authority from the education department. They require supporting evidence from treating doctor's etc. We go through the tedious paperwork and appointments each year.

We shopped for stationery and supplies so she is almost set to begin her school year. Undoubtedly there will be text books to buy once we receive her booklist. This year Kate is continuing Indonesian and has added Accounting to her subject selection. Lord help us if she needs assistance with anything. I don't speak Indonesian and I am a dummy when it comes to anything remotely mathematical! I do admire Kate's persistence as she continues the long journey to complete her VCE. Since she has only been studying part time she still has another year to go yet. If not for her health problems she would have completed High school at least a year ago. Bravo my baby girl. I am so proud of you for not giving up!

It was also book collection time for my son's school books this week. Then a check of his uniforms. I thought we might get away with last years uniform if I just let the hem of his trousers down but alas he has grown so much he is going to need the next size sooner rather than later. He has apparently expanded in the waist as well as growing a good few inches in height! We still have to find a few items that will be used from last year like his calculator. I am hoping they will be easy to find! Sam returns to school rather late, he doesn't go back until 7th Febuary! Good grief that is getting well into the year!

I also had a doctors visit this week, just one of my regular check ups. I was diagnosed with diabetes about a year ago and I see my G.P. regularly so he can keep a check on my blood sugars, my weight and general health. He plans to send me to a Diabetes educator and a dietician as I need to lose a large amount of weight.
In fact roughly half my bodyweight would see me within my healthy weight range. This is going to be a real challenge for me as I have battled obesity since I was in my teens.I managed to lose about 8 kilos in 2010 but I still have a terrible sweet tooth and a large appetite!

I also went off to visit the optometrist this week on my doctor's advice. I had been putting it off and it has been about five years since my last check up so I was well overdue! Hardly surprising to find I do need new reading glasses. All I have to do now is remember to wear them! I haven't actually ordered them yet as the cat is off to the vet next week to have teeth out. My budget just won't allow for new glasses and a vet bill at the same time.

I am still yet to complete the packing of my stuff to be moved to our new home. It's a big job that I keep putting off but the time has come! Over the next month I plan to finish the packing so I can get on with cleaning and preparing my house for sale. I am taking the opportunity to have a good sort and get rid of clutter and unwanted items. The local Salvos shop should do quite well. When you are combining two households there are just so many things you do not need two of!

So that's what has been happening in my pretty ordinary life this week. Mostly sunshine I am pleased to say.
wishing you sunshine in your shadows
Helen
***photo courtesy of:
http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?image=1786&picture=colored-pencils